Norm Smith runner-up’s record half; star’s horror brain fade costly amid five fails: Lions player ratings

Several Brisbane players starred in what was ultimately a heartbreaking Grand Final loss to Collingwood.

But a few key stars couldn’t step up on the big stage.

Every Brisbane player rated out of 10 from the Grand Final against Collingwood.

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2. Deven Robertson

Roamed the flanks and wing but drifted forward and kicked a goal in the third term. Five of his 13 touches led to Lions scores. 5

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3. Joe Daniher

Enormous. Looked like he was going to mark everything. Had Darcy Moore for company, but moved up the ground to get involved in chains, as well as in the ruck at stoppages. Got some scoreboard reward for effort in the second term with two goals, including a tight set-shot finish on the wrong side for a left-footer. Shanked an attempt in the fourth term, but kicked the last goal of the game to put the Lions within kick. Finished with 16 touches and eight marks. 8

4. Callum Ah Chee

Started on a wing next to Josh Daicos. Had a big third term moment, spreading from contest and a nailing a long kick to set up a Deven Robertson goal. But subbed out with just six touches and one tackle. 4

5. Josh Dunkley

Consistent four-quarter game. Had a run-with role on Jordan De Goey early and did a “phenomenal” job, according to Patrick Dangerfield. Then sparked the Lions with the first two clearances of the second term. Finished with 21 touches. 7

6. Hugh McCluggage

After just one handball in the first term, had 10 touches in the second quarter — including a crafty left-foot goal — as he got more involved at stoppages. Nailed a crucial set-shot goal in the third term when scoring was hard to come by. Finished with two goals from 21 touches and 12 contested possessions. 8

7. Jarrod Berry

Started on a wing next to Steele Sidebottom. Had some big moments, but the costly ones stood out. Gave away a high free kick to Nick Daicos, which led to Collingwood’s first goal of the game, and gave away a 50m penalty late in the fourth term that led to a Steele Sidebottom goal. 4

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9. Lachie Neale

Quiet first term for the Brownlow Medallist, but got going in the second term with eight touches and three clearances. His cleanliness at stoppages late was crucial and gave the Lions a genuine chance to win. Finished with 21 touches. 6

11. Lincoln McCarthy

Made the most of his limited touches. Kicked two brilliant first-half goals and took some key marks. 5

15. Dayne Zorko

Was in and out of the game behind the ball. Had 17 touches and went at 53 per cent by foot. 5

16. Cam Rayner

Not a lot of impact. Had Brayden Maynard for company inside 50 at the start of the game, but pinch-hit in the midfield. Seemed to be second to the ball for a lot of the game. 3

17. Jarryd Lyons

Started as the sub before being injected into the game early in the fourth quarter for Cal Ah Chee. Had four touches for the term, but overall his fresh legs didn’t have a major impact on the game. N/A

18. Keidean Coleman

As Fox Footy’s Jon Ralph suggested via X, Coleman had “a Lewis Roberts-Thomson-style first quarter”, with 13 disposals (11 kicks at 73% efficiency), seven marks and three intercepts. By half-time, he had 585m gained — the third-most by any player this season. Continued to show ample class by foot off half-back and cut through the Magpies’ system. Drifted out of the game in the second half as the pace slowed down, but finished second in Norm Smith Medal voting — and rightly so. 8

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23. Charlie Cameron

In and out of the game, but he stood up in big moments. Statless first quarter but started the second on fire, snapping a goal in the opening minute then bursting away from Darcy Moore minutes later to add a second. Brain fade at the start of the fourth term collecting Jeremy Howe late to give a downfield free kick, but made amends with incredible cleanliness and forward craft to snap a goal to put the Lions (briefly) in front. 6

26. Conor McKenna

Had 13 kicks at went at 85 per cent efficiency playing deep in defence. Had 488m gained and nine rebound 50s, highlighting how much drive he provided. 5

27. Darcy Gardiner

Held his spot in the side and did a great job on Brody Mihocek, who kicked one goal — and a darn tough one. Very strong in one-on-one contests. 7

28. Jaspa Fletcher

Reasonably quiet except for the third term, where he burrowed in to lots of contests and gave some energy around the ball. 5

30. Eric Hipwood

Manned up by Nathan Murphy before Jeremy Howe went to him. Pulled off an excellent handball to set up Lincoln McCarthy’s first goal. Threatened a few times but just couldn’t stamp his authority on the game. 3

31. Harris Andrews

Had Billy Frampton as essentially a forward tagger for the game. Well held for the first three quarters, but was absolutely enormous in the fourth term with nine disposals. Finished with a game-high four intercept marks and seven spoils. 7

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33. Zac Bailey

One of the great Grand Final opening quarters. After an outstanding first goal — where he showed terrific balance to finish on his right boot — pulled off a terrific solo play minutes later, smothering Mason Cox, gathering the ball close to the pocket, accelerating away and snapping an awesome major. Had 13 disposals and six inside 50s for the game. 7

35. Ryan Lester

Started the game on Beau McCreery but rotated through various players. Had 18 touches and went at 85 per cent by foot. 6

37. Brandon Starcevich

As expected, went to Jamie Elliott. Played a big role in the third term as the Lions slowed the tempo of the game, but was crucially caught holding the ball in the fourth term. Made amends with a crucial intercept mark on danger man Bobby Hill minutes later. 6

44. Darcy Wilmot

Not a massive influence. Had 12 touches for the game. 4

46. Oscar McInerney

Dominant ruck on the ground at stoppages early with five clearances in the first term. Mason Cox and Darcy Cameron slowly got on top as the game wore on, but McInerney still finished with 13 touches, 12 contested possessions and 10 clearances. while seven of his 28 hit-outs went to a teammate‘s advantage. 7